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Vysh had told her she was an accomplished fighter who had trained with the Vraxian Army. Apparently her uncle had pulled some strings to keep her off the frontline. She’d left the military while the old Zhaal was dying – again, at the behest of Baelon according to the rumors.

The Vantrax clan had planned this for a while, Kara thought as she watched Layahn from across the room. She wondered if Vahn knew.

The thought of Vahn punctured her party mood.

“Hey, I’m shattered. I’m going to get some sleep,” she told Vysh.

“But we’re just getting started. Stay a little longer.”

“My body clock says it’s way past my bed-time,” Kara laughed. “I’m from Earth, remember? The jet-lag is crazy.”

“All right. Tomorrow’s our final chance to train. I let you kick my ass today but I was just being kind.”

“I beat you fair and square.”

“Yeah, but now I know how quick and feisty you are, I’m not going to hold back.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Pink. Goodnight.”

Kara walked into the vestibule. As General Solarun had ordered, a guard had been posted outside each of the Potentials’ quarters. She nodded to the one outside her room and he stood aside to let her pass.

She went in and shut the door behind her, leaning against it with a sigh. Music from the common room filtered through distantly and she sent a small prayer to the heavens.

“If only you could see me now, daddy. Partying with aliens.”

“And what would he say, your father?”

The voice came out of the dark and she jumped.

“Vahn!” She lowered her voice, conscious that there were guards directly on the other side of the door. “What are you doing here?”

“I will not be able to see you tomorrow and I wanted to wish you luck.”

She moved forward, her eyes getting used to the darkness. Vahn was standing in the shadows by her bed.

“You shouldn’t be here.”

“I will only stay for a moment. I have news which I thought I should share.”

They both spoke in whispers. Kara moved closer until she could see and hear him more clearly. He had removed his crown and his hair flowed over his shoulders.

He looked younger. More like the Vahn of Minerva-6.

“What’s the news?”

“Your mother. She is coming to Vraxos.”

Kara’s hand flew to her mouth and she gasped.

“What? When?”

“In a few days. Aftershaa’baaraends.”

“Christ. Will it be safe for her? Vahn, you have to guarantee her safety. If anything happens to the President of Earth, the peace deal will be fucked.”

“I am aware,” he said gravely. “But I could not dissuade her. She wants to see you for herself.”

“She… she’s coming here forme?”